Mary Central Mosque
Mary
The Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque, also known locally as the Mary Central Mosque, is a magnificent Islamic place of worship located in Mary, Turkmenistan. Completed in 2009 under the presidency of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, it stands as a prominent landmark with its four slender minarets each rising 63 meters high. The mosque's architecture reflects the finest Turkmen traditions, featuring a large central dome 24 meters in diameter adorned with mosaic ornaments and crowned with a golden crescent. The prayer hall accommodates up to 2,500 worshippers, with a designated upper tier for women. Its interiors are lavishly decorated with noble materials such as marble, granite, and precious woods, and embellished with embossed epigraphy of Quranic Surahs and traditional Islamic calligraphy that also grace the white marble facades. The mosque complex includes auxiliary buildings for ritual ceremonies, a sadaqah hall, a hotel, and decorative fountains cascading along the central staircase. At night, the mosque is illuminated with colorful lighting, enhancing its majestic golden domes and intricate details. After renovations in 2018, the dome was repainted in gold, further elevating its grandeur and cultural significance in the region.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the mosque's intricate architectural details and the cascading fountains. The mosque is especially picturesque at sunset and when illuminated in the evening. It is recommended to check opening hours in advance and consider respectful attire suitable for a religious site. While entrance is generally free, donations or participation in charitable events like sadaqah may be welcomed. Booking guided tours through local tourist services can enrich the experience with historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque features four minarets each 63 meters tall, making them some of the tallest structures in Mary.
- •The main dome has a diameter of 24 meters and is crowned with a golden crescent, symbolizing Islamic tradition.
- •The prayer hall can accommodate up to 2,500 worshippers simultaneously, with a separate upper tier for women.
- •The mosque's exterior is adorned with white marble facades embellished with traditional Islamic calligraphy and Quranic verses.
- •At night, the mosque is illuminated with original color lighting, creating a spectacular visual effect.
History
The construction project of the Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque began in 2001, designed by Ashgabat architects Kakajan and Durly Durdyev.
Progress was slow due to funding shortages until 2007 when the Mary People's Council appealed to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who allocated one million dollars from his charity fund to complete the mosque.
The Turkish company Kilic Insaat finished the construction, and the mosque officially opened in spring 2009 with the president attending the ceremony.
In 2018, the mosque underwent renovation, including repainting the dome in gold, enhancing its visual prominence in Mary.
Place Guide
Main Prayer Hall2009
A large prayer space designed to hold 2,500 worshippers, featuring a 24-meter diameter dome supported by eight columns. The upper tier is reserved for women. The hall is richly decorated with marble, granite, and precious woods, and adorned with embossed Quranic epigraphy and Islamic calligraphy.
Four Minarets2009
Each minaret rises to a height of 63 meters, slender and elegant, serving both aesthetic and traditional functions in Islamic architecture. They are key visual landmarks in Mary.
Exterior Facades and Domes2009
The mosque's exterior is constructed from white marble and features golden domes faced with majolica tiles. The facades are decorated with embossed Islamic calligraphy and Quranic Surahs, enhancing its spiritual and artistic significance.
Complex Facilities and Fountains2009
The mosque complex includes auxiliary buildings for ritual ceremonies, a sadaqah hall for charitable events, a hotel for visitors, and decorative cascades of fountains along the central staircase, enriching the visitor experience.